With the year rocking along it’s easy to get caught up in daily events and forget why we do it all! Amy and I never want to forget how thankful we are for the wonderful things in our lives and why we are so blessed! Here is our top 5. What are your top 5 things that make you thankful or happy?

The first week of school is in full swing and life can go back to normal. I have found talking to most other mom’s they are sad for school to start NOT this mom. Working, life and keeping the little angels happy was wearing me out! I’m always happy to see summer come and summer to go! It’s an awesome feeling to know every year brings new challenges and life experiences with my girls. I look forward to charley and Jaylee being in 4th and 2nd grade. Time does fly when you are having fun or maybe just a little too busy.

Having a 9 year old has been a little life changing for me. My sweet baby girl now talks back with a little added drama??? Ahhhh Not sure if I am ready for this ride!! I love to see my girls grow and change but when did 9 years old become teenagers so fast. I feel like she’s from another planet or maybe she feels that way about me. She is growing up and starting to have her own emotions and thoughts not sure how I feel about all that either, but I am working though it day by day. I am having a hard time connecting with her now in the ways I did before.

Just asking about her or having small talk doesn’t work really or lead too much of anything. It makes me feel like crap as a mom. But I think I found my magic! A HORSE! Yes I said a horse! I have been riding since the day I was born until my kids took over my life along with work and marriage. Over the past few weeks Charley and I go out and ride our horses at night and that’s when the magic happens. We talk about horses, her day, her friends, my friends, my day………………. EVERYTHING!! It’s amazing when you get your kids to talk, real talk! I know several of you are going to read and say oh you just wait she’s not even in her teens yet. I know that. That’s why I have to always find the magic or other ways to keep us connected. It’s something we both love to do together & something that is more than just buying their love. It’s a true passion for something! For today, for this time, I have found it! If it changes I will find something else.

At the end of the day it is my job to inspire and drive my kids to find their passion in life and connect with them. It’s not easy and takes time and effort but they are worth every second! I know not everyone has a horse or can get a horse, but there is something in your life that you can use as your lifeboat to connect you and your kids! Jaylee’s not 9 yet and I already know Jaylee and I will not be riding horses, I will probably be dancing in a hip hop class with her! OH Lord please help me!!

As I sit here this morning watching the news coverage of the Boston Marathon tragedy I am overwhelmed with many emotions. I am sad, heartbroken, confused, angry – but the one feeling that keeps coming to the top of the emotional heap is PRIDE!!! And here is why I feel pride during such a trying and horrific time.

I am proud to be an American! The reason America is “the home of the brave and the land of the free” is because that no matter what is going on in the world we as citizens will do whatever it takes for our fellow Americans. We are each others Red, White & Blue family. A family that can set aside their differences in a time of need and unite for our fellow man. As a nation, currently I know there is major political unrest and social issue controversies that seems to be dividing the country. It is probably the worst that I have seen in my adult life. I am guilty of it. Like so many, I am angry and unsettled with the direction of our country right now and feel that as an American I get to voice my opinions regardless if they are right or wrong. But, none of that seems to matter right now does it? What matters yesterday, tomorrow and for many days to come is coming together and healing and caring for one another as a nation – remember the words of the Pledge of Allegiance “one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

I am proud of a nation that lets us stand up for what we believe in and not be unjustly persecuted for it.

I am proud of a nation that runs in to help regardless of the danger rather than running away.

MetroWest Daily News photo/Ken McGagh

I am proud of a fellow American that opens her doors and home to stranded marathon runners in such a scary time.

www.catcitylife.com

I am proud of a nation that filled churches and stadiums across America to pray for peace, strength, understanding for the families and a wounded nation.

www.washingtonpost.com

I am proud that we are teaching our youth about this America that we all love and that they are embracing the hurt and the pride and the prayers.

I am sure as the days pass after the Boston Marathon tragedy the arguments and tensions of the American people and our government will return. But, I promise you that I am going to do my best to remember the America that makes me proud. The America that still stands tall, strong and united in times of such pain and conflict. The America that heals together.